The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State has zoned its state chairmanship position to Zone B, a move seen as a strategic effort to maintain political balance amid growing calls for an Idoma governor ahead of the 2027 elections.
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This decision follows the report of a seven-member zoning committee established by the State Working Committee (SWC) on March 23, 2026, to ensure fair distribution of State Executive Committee (EXCO) positions across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The committee, inaugurated at the party’s state secretariat in Makurdi, was formed in line with directives from the party’s national leadership after a peace accord meeting in Abuja. It was tasked with proposing a zoning formula that reflects inclusiveness, coalition balance, and adherence to internal party democracy.
According to the ADC committee’s report, the state chairmanship position was allocated to Zone B, while the State Secretary position went to Zone C. Overall, the zoning arrangement distributed 18 executive positions equally among the three senatorial districts, with each zone receiving six positions.
Under the zoning template:
Zone B received:
State Chairman (ADC)
Organizing Secretary (ADC)
Auditor (PDP)
Publicity Secretary (LP)
Coordinator INEC/Electoral Matters (APGA)
Vice Chairman (APC)
The development is significant politically, as Zone B largely represents the Idoma-speaking area where agitation for governorship power shift has intensified in recent months. Analysts say the allocation of the chairmanship to the zone could strengthen the bloc’s bargaining position ahead of 2027.
The zoning committee was chaired by Cdre Joseph Zumve (rtd), with Hon. Friday Ochigbo serving as secretary. Other members included Hon. Terlumun O. Ankyese, Mrs. Lucy Fadumila Onyekwu, Hon. Ayosu Ikyor Sylvester, Hon. Terungwa Achiligh and Hon. Iorliam Manasseh.
The committee comprised representatives of different political tendencies within the coalition, including ADC, APC, LP, APGA and PDP, reflecting the party’s multi-platform alliance structure.
The committee said it adopted an equity-driven formula after identifying 18 available positions and agreeing that each senatorial district should receive six offices.
Zone A was allocated positions such as Deputy Chairman, Youth Leader, Treasurer and Chief Whip, while Zone C received State Secretary, Woman Leader, Legal Adviser, Financial Secretary and others.
The report also noted that the zoning considered the directive of the National Working Committee that ADC should retain at least 30 percent of executive positions across the zones.
Party insiders say the zoning decision was also influenced by the fact that the party’s national leadership is already associated with Zone C, making it politically expedient to move the state chairmanship to Zone B to maintain balance.
Observers believe the move may calm internal tensions while strengthening coalition cohesion ahead of congresses and the 2027 electoral cycle.
State Chairman, Hon. Celestine Orbunde, urged members to prioritize unity and avoid actions capable of undermining party progress. He emphasized that the zoning arrangement was designed to promote fairness, representation and due process.
The committee was earlier given three days to complete its assignment and submit its recommendations for ratification by the State Working Committee.
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